Bandhavgarh National Park
Once the hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Rewa, Bandhavgarh is now one of the most popular National Parks in India. Not only does it have the highest concentration of Bengal tigers of any park, it is steeped in history, perfectly blending your wildlife and cultural experience.
Declared in 1968, the park core is 105 square kilometres, with a buffer zone of 400 square kilometres. This is where it is said that the first white tiger was caught back in 1951 and it is now their natural hub.
Quick Facts:
- History: it was announced as a national park in 1968.
- Size: the park covers an area of 1.5 square kilometres.
- Known for: the original home of the white tiger.
- Did you know: it is home to the largest density of tigers in India.
Forts and Wildlife
Bandhavgarh is peppered with little hillocks, the most prominent of which is 800 metres high and dominated by the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort. Thought to be over 2000 years old, there are no records remaining apart from the references found in ancient literature. This is the oldest fort in India, its monuments discovered in the jungle and natural ramparts providing incredible viewpoints, which make fantastic spots for lunch.
In the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh, the park is about a 4-hour drive from Kanha and features steep ridges, undulating forest and open meadows, interspersed with grassy swamps and valleys. Much of the park is covered in sal forests, which is replaced by mixed forests as you travel to higher elevations. This unspoilt natural habitat is home to some amazing wildlife, which aside from the tigers also includes gaur, sloth bear, leopard, porcupine, wild boar and spotted deer. Amongst this incredible biodiversity you may also find Rhesus macaques, langur, golden jackal, striped hyena, jungle cat and small Indian civet.